Exemptions to the Rent Pressure Zone rental cap

Not all rental properties in Rent Pressure Zones are subject to a rental restriction

Not all properties in Rent Pressure Zones are covered by the 4% annual rental cap. Properties exempt include those:

That are new to the rental market and have not been let at any time in the previous two years, and

That have undergone a substantial change..

A 'substantial change' must be a significant change or improvement to the dwelling which results in increased market value of the tenancy and therefore adds to the letting value of the property. The substantial change must have resulted in the property increasing its letting value. For example, simple repainting or replacement of white goods would not be sufficient.

The RTB have prepared a guideline for good practice on the Substantial Change Exemption in Rent Pressure Zone Areas which can be found here